March is Centegra Nutrition Month and a great time to remind everyone about the importance of eating right and maintaining a healthy weight.
Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the rise in McHenry County and many parents and children don’t know where to turn. Diets are often not the answer and many children don’t get the regular activity they need to maintain a healthy weight.
Centegra Kids in Motion helps kids and families achieve a healthier lifestyle. This is a unique program designed to help children and their families tackle weight issues through a multidisciplinary approach using nutrition education, behavioral therapy and physical activity. Registered dietitians, exercise specialists and behavioral specialists direct the program and work together to offer education and support that will lead to healthier lifestyles.
The dietitians are educated and trained food experts, registered and licensed in the state of Illinois. The exercise specialists are trained and certified personal trainers from Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Centers. The behavior specialists meet a variety of emotional needs and support for behavior change. Centegra Kids in Motion is flexible and allows for participants to select classes that address their personal areas of interest.
“We are offering three tiers of education that can be selected depending upon the degree of commitment that works best for each family,” said Julie Patterson clinical nutrition manager with Centegra Health System.
A new session will begin from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 through May 21 at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake. Parents and children 12 and older may use Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Crystal Lake from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. prior to class for free. Daycare will be provided for free for children under the age of 12.
A detailed explanation of the program will be provided, along with the ability for families to ask questions, inquire about scholarship opportunities and meet the team on the first night of class. Cost of the eight-week program is $149 per child. Scholarships are available for families in need.
“We really hope to implement healthy eating patterns and exercise behavior along with improving feelings and communication,” Patterson said. “It is our goal to provide children with the building blocks needed to lead a healthy, active lifestyle and prevent chronic disease for years to come.”
For more information about the program, call 877-CENTEGRA.
